About Belize

Location

Belize is an independent sovereign nation located on the east coast of Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the south and west and the Caribbean Sea to the east.  Belize has an area of 8,866 sq. miles including 266 sq. miles of islands.  The major attractions of Belize include its numerous cayes, coral atolls and its 185 miles long barrier reef, the largest in the western hemisphere. 

Climate

The climate is subtropical with an annual mean temperature of 79% Fahrenheit.  The rainy season is usually between June and November and the dry season is between February and May. The weather normally is cooler starting the end of October up to February. Average humidity is 85 percent. Annual rainfall ranges from 50 inches in the North to 170 inches in the South.

People

Belize is a diverse society, with several cultures and languages.  The people includes a mixture or Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Maya, East Indian, Asians, German and Arab.  The population is approximately 320,000. 

Language

English is the official language of Belize, however, Spanish is widely spoken and Creole is the commonly used dialect in the country.

Currency

The Belize Dollar (BZ$) is the local currency and it is fixed to the US$ at a rate of 2BZ$ to 1US$.

Time

Central Standard Time.  Daylight savings time is not  observed  in Belize. 

Government and Legal System

Belize is a parliamentary democracy.  The country achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1981.  Queen Elizabeth II is the chief of state, represented by the Governor General of Belize and the head of government is the prime minister.  The legal system is based on the English law and the privy council is the final court of appeal. 

Economy

Tourism is the biggest foreign exchange earner for Belize followed by marine products, citrus, sugar and bananas. 

Communication

Belize has advanced communication systems including; satellite and fibre -optic telecommunication services,  internet via satellite, DSL and cable and international couriers like FedEX and DHL. 

Why Choose Belize

  • The government is committed to develop Belize as a leading financial services centre and has introduced significant policies to improve the offshore financial sector and attract international business and foreign investments.
     
  • International financial services in Belize includes; international banking, international insurance, trust services, mutual fund, corporate formation and administrative services.
     
  • Belize is also the only English speaking country in Central America and is strategically located in Central America and the Caribbean.  
     
  • Belize is only 2 hours away from the United States, with several international flights coming to and leaving Belize daily.  
     
  • In Belize there is also advanced telecommunication and internet services and the people are very friendly and culturally diverse.